Akagera National Park
Akagera lies on the eastern border of Rwanda, making it easy to visit and admire the wildlife – from lion to rhino – that thrives in this beautiful savannah and wetland.
Experience Akagera
Widely considered to be one of the most scenic parks in central-eastern Africa, Akagera’s extraordinary biodiversity ranges from impressive herds of herbivores that graze the open plains to rare and elusive birds that frequent the swamps.
Since 2010, when African Parks was invited to manage the park, wildlife numbers have rebounded dramatically. Following lion and rhino reintroductions, Akagera now boasts thriving populations of these, as well as elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and leopard, while the waterways teem with hippo and enormous crocodiles.
Despite being relatively small, Akagera is home to an impressive array of wildlife. A convenient and beautiful park to visit, Akagera can be a short getaway, a fascinating combination with Nyungwe National Park, or an easy add-on before or after visiting the gorillas. Akagera remains a relatively undiscovered gem, so enjoy excellent wildlife sightings without the crowds.
Take a Day to Explore
Akagera is a self-drive park, so visitors can explore at their own pace in their own vehicles, from 6am to 6pm daily.
Available For: Day Visitors
Guided Game Drives
Self-drivers can be accompanied by a Community Guide on a game drive. At Karenge in the north, guides are available on request and at extra cost. Overnight guests can book drives at Reception.
Available At: Karenge Bush Camp, Day Visitors
Boat Excursions on Lake Ihema
A boat trip on Lake Ihema is wildlife and bird viewing from a different point of view. Trips are scheduled at 7.30am, 9am, 3pm and 4.30pm. Private trips can also be arranged at other times.
Available At: Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Campsites
Fishing
Spend a relaxing day fishing on the shores of Lake Shakani, then cook your catch over an open fire at the campsite. Note that fishing takes place outside the national park, and guests must bring their own equipment.
Available At: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Behind The Scenes
For more insight into Akagera, take a tour of Park Headquarters, meet the people and learn about their incredible conservation work. This activity is ideal for educational groups, or special interest travellers but open to all (minimum numbers apply).
Available At: Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Campsites
Night Drives
For overnight guests, a sunset departure for a guided night drive adventure is an ideal way to end your day and is your best chance of seeing nocturnal wildlife. The safari vehicle, with pop-up rooftop, can take a maximum of seven guests.
Available At: Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Campsites
Walking Safaris
Enjoy an exclusive walking safari, guided by experienced guides, getting close to nature’s intricate details, while experiencing Akagera’s vast picturesque landscapes.
Available At: Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Campsites
Walk the Line
Spend the morning with a fence attendant who walks the 120km fence line daily. This 7km walk follows the fence outside the park into the hills, ending on a ridge with spectacular views all around. (Approx. 2hrs)
Available At: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Community Cultural Experiences
Community Freelance Guides share cultural experiences, such as visiting a dairy farm – to learn about traditions around cattle and milk in Rwanda’s Eastern Province – a banana-beer maker or a honey cooperative. Revenue is shared with the community members visited.
Available At: Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Campsites
Where We Are
Akagera is located two hours’ drive (110km) from Kigali, in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, on the Tanzanian border.
Getting Here
Self-drive access is through the southern Mutumba Gate only. Also accessible by scheduled or charter helicopter. 4×4 vehicles recommended in the wet season.
Thriving Wildlife
Thanks to reintroductions of lion (2015), eastern black rhino (2017) and southern white rhino (2021), and good management, wildlife in Akagera is thriving.
The Weather
Akagera has an extremely pleasant climate, temperatures remaining consistently warm in the day and cool at night year-round. Best time to visit is November to April.
Where to Stay
Visiting Akagera National Park is one of the best ways to support communities, wildlife conservation and the long-term success of Africa’s wild areas. Choose from the different accommodation options available below and enjoy a spectacular wildlife experience.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
A tented eco-lodge overlooking Lake Ihema, the largest lake in Akagera National Park, Ruzizi Tented Lodge is perfectly poised to explore the park’s southern sector by foot, boat or vehicle. *managed by Akagera
Karenge Bush Camp
Set on a ridge overlooking Akagera’s wildlife-rich northern plains, Karenge’s incredibly scenic location in the remote north adds depth to any visit to the park.*Managed by Akagera
Akagera Campsites
Four campsites offer basic facilities for overnight stays. Muyumbu and Shakani campsites are in the south, Mutumba Campsite is more central, and Mihindi Campsite is located near Lake Mahindi in the northern sector.*Managed by Akagera
Wilderness Magashi
Intimate Magashi is set on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga – home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, large crocodiles, and (hidden within its wetlands) the secretive sitatunga and shoebill stork.
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Akagera Game Lodge stands on a hill at the southern tip of Akagera National Park elevated above the savannah, offering a bird’s-eye view and exceptional views of Lake Ihema.
More About Akagera
Akagera is named for the Kagera River, which forms the eastern boundary of the park and the border with Tanzania. This majestic waterway flows into a stunning mosaic of forest-fringed lakes, papyrus swamps and floodplains forming an important wetland ecosystem – the largest protected wetland in central-eastern Africa.
Akagera has thriving populations of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, as well as zebra, giraffe, antelope and hundreds of bird species.
Akagera comprises a spectacular open expanse of wilderness, wetlands and lakes, with one third of its 1,200 square kilometres dominated by water. Birders can seek out several Lake Victoria-endemic species including the red-faced barbet and papyrus gonolek.